The Buccaneers posted six sacks and five turnovers, including a pick-six, in the 20-10 win over the Saints in Week 2.

Analysis: The Buccaneers dominated QB Jameis Winston, who was playing hurt. This continues to be a premier defense in the league that can be started against virtually any team. That includes the Packers, who have a fierce two-headed tandem in the backfield but merely mediocrity at receiver. QB Aaron Rodgers is always dangerous, but there's enough upside that it's worth weathering the risk with Buccaneers D/ST.

The Buccaneers notched an interception and two sacks in the 19-3 win over the Cowboys in Week 1.

Analysis: The Buccaneers dominated on defense, though the Cowboys were simply in disarray on offense. Still, we should feel optimistic about the Buccaneers in Week 2 against the Saints. QB Jameis Winston was sacked four times in Week 1 by the Falcons, and he's prone to frequent turnovers. There's some risk for Buccaneers D/ST because of the number of weapons in New Orleans, but fantasy managers should feel comfortable with this unit.

The Buccaneers are healthy heading into the 2022 season.

Analysis: The Buccaneers avoided key injuries to their defense during training camp and the preseason. Last season, they ranked seventh with 47 sacks, fifth with 29 takeaways and fifth with 20.8 points allowed per game. They didn't re-sign DE Ndamukong Suh -- who finished second on the team last year with six sacks -- but they added elite run-stuffer DE Akiem Hicks to help fill the void. This defense shouldn't miss a beat this season, and it should be a fine play in Week 1 against the Cowboys, who are…read more

The Buccaneers defense opened training camp without any injury concerns.

Analysis: Tampa Bay is dealing with some injuries on the offensive side of the ball, for the defense is fully available, at least for the start of camp. The unit still has eight starters from the Super Bowl runs, and Logan Ryan, Rakeem Nunez-Roches and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka set to fill the gaps of the couple offseason departures. The Bucs will remain in Florida for the preseason opener with a matchup versus Miami on Aug. 13.

The Buccaneers ranked fifth in scoring defense (20.8 PPG) and tied-fifth in takeaways during 2021 and return all but three defensive starters.

Analysis: The offense has rightfully been the talk of the offseason in Tampa Bay with Tom Brady reversing his decision to retire and Rob Gronkowksi retiring again, but the defense remained a constant. Veterans Ndamukong Suh, Jason Pierre-Paul and Jordan Whitehead left via free agency, but the unit remains strong overall and still has eight starters left from the Super Bowl run. OLB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka tallied four sacks during his rookie campaign, and the 2021 first-round pick could play a pivotal role in…read more

The Buccaneers allowed 374 yards and 24 points during the Week 17 win over the Jets and play the Panthers on Sunday.

Analysis: The Tampa Bay D/ST had a prime matchup but failed to deliver with only one sack and one takeaway. The Bucs have only four takeaways over the past five games, though they've also given up 11 points or fewer in three of those contests. Meanwhile Carolina has scored only 30 points the last three weeks and presents another favorable matchup. The Buccaneers D/ST is a strong option for Week 18.

The Buccaneers allowed 273 yards and six points during the Week 16 win over the Panthers and play the Jets on Sunday.

Analysis: The Tampa Bay D/ST managed only one takeaway but had seven sacks while limiting Carolina to a pair of field goals. Tampa Bay closes out the campaign with an attractive schedule, as the Jets and Panthers are the two remaining opponents. Rookie QB Zach Wilson has taken strides as the season has progressed, but the Bucs D/ST remains one of the top options for Week 17 while facing one of the worst offenses in the league.

The Buccaneers allowed 212 yards and nine points during the Week 15 loss to the Saints and play the Panthers on Sunday.

Analysis: The Tampa Bay D/ST had two sacks and zero takeaways while holding New Orleans to 3.5 yards per play and three field goals, but it wasn't enough for the victory. The Bucs have only two takeaways over the past three games but are also giving up only 15.7 points in those contests. The Bucs D/ST is one of the top fantasy defenses for Week 16 while going up against a Panthers offense that has no real identity with RB Christian McCaffrey (ankle)

The Buccaneers allowed 466 yards and 27 points during the Week 14 win over the Bills and play the Saints on Sunday.

Analysis: The Tampa Bay D/ST dominated through three quarters and finished with three sacks and one takeaway, but QB Josh Allen came alive to deliver 17 points in the fourth quarter to force overtime. QB Taysom Hill finally found some success for New Orleans against the Jets last week, though there's still significant questions for the offense overall. RB Alvin Kamara is back and figures to remain the focal point in both the run and pass games. The Bucs D/ST has the talent to contain Hill's athleticism…read more

The Buccaneers allowed 11 offensive points and 380 yards during the Week 13 win over the Falcons and play the Bills on Sunday.

Analysis: The Tampa Bay D/ST had five sacks and one takeaway as it managed to hold Atlanta to 11 offensive points despite giving up significant yardage. Buffalo is coming off a rough offensive night against New England as extreme weather limited both teams. Overall the Bills remain one of the top offenses in the league, though they have been inconsistent over the past month. Regardless, QB Josh Allen isn't a great matchup for the Bucs D/ST, leaving the unit as a below-average option for Week 14.

The Buccaneers allowed 392 yards and 31 points during the Week 12 win over the Colts and play the Falcons on Sunday.

Analysis: The Tampa Bay D/ST was unable to consistently slow down the Indianapolis offense, but it had a productive day with three sacks and five takeaways to help spur a second-half comeback. The Falcons scored 21 points last week against the Jaguars after totaling only three points over the previous two games. The Bucs D/ST is a strong option for Week 13 given the struggles of Atlanta's offense this season.

The Buccaneers gave up 215 yards and 10 points during the Week 11 win over the Giants and play the Colts on Sunday.

Analysis: The Tampa Bay D/ST had three takeaways and two sacks while allowing only 3.6 yards per pass in a dominant performance. The Colts are fresh off a beatdown of the Bills during which RB Jonathan Taylor had 204 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns. The Bucs run defense is its strength (3.8 YPC), but the secondary is looking better with CB Sean Murphy-Bunting back and CB Carlton Davis (quadriceps) nearing his return. QB Carson Wentz has taken good care of the ball overall, and Indianapolis ranks…read more

The Buccaneers allowed 29 points and 320 yards during the Week 10 loss to Washington and play the Giants on Monday.

Analysis: The Tampa Bay D/ST wasn't helped much by the offense in this one, but the real issue was allowing the Football Team to go 13-for-21 between third and fourth down. The Bucs have now given up 29 defensive points in each of the past two games, though the Giants have reached that total only once this season back in Week 2. QB Daniel Jones is taking much better care of the ball this year, but the receiving corps is depleted by injury, plus Saquon Barkley (ankle) has been out. Barkley appears on…read more

Tampa Bay ranks seventh in total defense (335.8 YPG) and 13th in scoring (22.9 PPG) entering Sunday's game against Washington.

Analysis: The Bucs D/ST got beaten down by the Saints in Week 8, so it was a good time for the bye week. Tampa Bay remains a strong unit overall and it ranks tied-22nd in sacks (17) and tied-fifth in takeaways (14). QB Taylor Heinicke has endured his share of struggles this year, and the Football Team entered its Week 9 bye with 33 points scored over its last three contests. The Tampa Bay D/ST is a strong option for Week 10 given the matchup.

The Buccaneers allowed 311 yards and three points during the Week 7 win over the Bears and plays the Saints on Sunday.

Analysis: The Tampa Bay D/ST dominated from the start and totaled four sacks and six takeaways in the contest. The Bucs now rank 10th in scoring defense (21.0 PPG), tied-11th in sacks (16) and tied-third in takeaways (14) this season. QB Jameis Winston and New Orleans have endured some ups and downs this year, but the offense has only six giveaways and has mostly been a solid unit. The Bucs D/ST remains a solid fantasy option for Week 8 despite the less-than-stellar matchup.

The Buccaneers allowed 213 yards and 22 points during the Week 7 win over the Eagles and play the Bears on Sunday.

Analysis: The Tampa Bay D/ST gave up only 16 first downs and 4.5 yards per play, but one takeaway and two sacks meant meager fantasy production with Philly scoring 22 points, QB Justin FIelds has flashed since taking over the starting role for Chicago, but the offense overall has struggled and is averaging 16.3 PPG and 117.2 YPG. The pass defense has been a weakness for the Bucs, though the talent up front should be enough to mostly cover it up against a rookie QB. The Bucs D/ST is a strong option in…read more

The Buccaneers allowed 301 yards and 17 points during the Week 5 win over the Dolphins and play the Eagles on Thursday.

Analysis: Tampa Bay unsurprisingly did a good job limited the Miami offense, led by QB Jacoby Brissett, with RBI Myles Gaskin accounting for both touchdowns while catching 10 passes for 74 yards. The Bucs D/ST had three sacks and two takeaways in a solid fantasy effort. The Philly offense has been pedestrian under QB Jalen Hurts so far in 2021, though it does rank tied-second in giveaways (four). The Eagles rank tied-14th in sacks allowed (10), tied-16th in scoring (23.0 PPG) and 14th in total offense…read more

The Buccaneers gave up 294 yards and 17 points during the Week 4 win over the Patriots and play the Dolphins on Sunday.

Analysis: The Bucs D/ST was able to limit the Pats with four sacks and two takeaways, but the Patriots made no pretense of even attempting to run the ball with only eight carries. Rookie QB Mac Jones was solid for New England, but it's clear Tampa Bay is dealing with some issues in that secondary that a better offense would have exploited. That's unlikely to come Week 5, as QB Jacoby Brissett has found middling success for Miami since taking over for Tua Tagovailoa (ribs). The Dolphins rank 30th in…read more

The Buccaneers allowed 407 yards and 34 points during the Week 3 loss to the Rams and play the Patriots on Sunday.

Analysis: There wasn't much to write home about for the Bucs in this one, as they tallied one sack and zero takeaways while giving up 6.5 yards per play. The Tampa Bay D/ST put in a big performance against Atlanta in Week 2 but has struggled against quality offenses the other two games. New England doesn't exactly offer that, as QB Mac Jones has endured his share of rookie struggles. The Patriots are averaging 18.0 PPG and have five giveaways, with three of them being picks thrown by Jones last week. The…read more

The Buccaneers allowed 25 points and 348 yards during the Week 2 win over the Falcons and play the Rams on Sunday.

Analysis: Tampa Bay recorded one sack and three takeaways, including a pair of pick-sixes from rotational safety Mike Edwards in the fourth quarter. The Bucs surrendered only 55 rushing yards and held Atlanta to 19 first downs. QB Matthew Stafford has meshed well in his first two games with Los Angeles, with WR Cooper Kupp clearly emerging as his favorite target. The Bucs D/ST was saved by the pick-sixes last week and has given up a lot of points through two games, and the Rams could put up similar…read more

The Buccaneers gave up 451 yards and 29 points during the Week 1 win over the Cowboys and play the Falcons on Sunday.

Analysis: QB Dak Prescott attempted 58 passes and totaled 403 yards, as the only saving grave for the Tampa Bay defense was that it limited Dallas' scoring with three field goals in four attempts (not counting a 60-yard boot before halftime). RB Ezekiel Elliott was kept in check with 33 rushing yards, but WRs CeeDee Lamb and Amari Cooper combined for 20 catches, 243 receiving yards and three scores, while Tampa Bay managed only one sack and zero takeaways. Meanwhile, the Falcons failed to score during…read more

Safety Jordan Whitehead (hamstring) has been ruled out for the Buccaneers' season opener against the Cowboys on Thursday.

Analysis: The Tampa Bay D/ST is otherwise in full health heading into the first game of the 2021 NFL campaign while returning all 11 starters from each side of the ball. The Cowboys endured a rough offensive season in 2020 after Dak Prescott (ankle) went down, but he's back in the fold and has plenty of weapons in Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup, plus Ezekiel Elliott in the run game. This isn't a great matchup for the Bucs defensively, but the overall talent of the unit keeps it on the…read more

The Buccaneers defense has remained relatively healthy throughout training camp.

Analysis: DL Ndamukong Suh missed some time early in camp with an unspecified issue, but Tampa Bay's other significant contributors have mostly been able to stay on the field. The Bucs return their entire defense from last year's championship squad and are poised for another strong defensive campaign in 2021.

DL Ndamukong Suh has been sidelined early in camp by an unspecified injury.

Analysis: The severity of the issue remains unclear, though there's been no indication his availability for Week 1 is in doubt. The defending Super Bowl champs return every starter on both sides of the ball and will enter 2021 as one of the top defenses, both in terms of fantasy production and on-the-field play.

The Buccaneers retained every starter from the 2020 defense.

Analysis:

The Buccaneers gave up seven points and 186 yards during the Week 16 win over the Lions and play the Falcons on Sunday.

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The Buccaneers gave up 369 yards and 27 points during the Week 15 win over the Falcons and play the Lions on Sunday.

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The Buccaneers gave up 335 yards and 14 points during the Week 14 win over the Vikings and play the Falcons on Sunday.

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The Buccaneers come out of their bye week ranked seventh in total defense (329.9 YPG) and 11th in scoring (23.3 PPG) as they get set to face the Vikings on Sunday.

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The Buccaneers surrendered 413 yards and 27 points during the Week 11 loss to the Rams and play the Chiefs on Sunday.

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The Buccaneers allowed 187 yards and 23 points during the Week 10 win over the Panthers and play the Rams on Monday.

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The Buccaneers surrendered 38 points and 420 yards during the Week 9 loss tot he Saints and play the Panthers on Sunday.

Analysis: It was an absolute beatdown from New Orleans across the board, as it entered halftime with a 31-0 lead, while Tampa Bay failed to crack 200 total yards. The Bucs had two takeaways and one sack, but it wasn't enough to salvage the massive point total. RB Christian McCaffrey returned from injured reserve for Carolina last week, but he went down with a shoulder injury and may not be available Sunday. The Panthers rank in the top half of the league in giveaways (nine) and are middle of the pack in…read more

The Buccaneers gave up 357 yards and 23 points during the Week 8 win over the Giants and play the Saints on Sunday.

Analysis: Tampa Bay unsurprisingly had three sacks and two takeaways, but it was only a late stop on New York's potentially game-tying, two-point conversion that prevented the contest from going to overtime. The Bucs remain one of the top defenses in the league, but the matchup with the Saints will limit its fantasy prospects this week. However, QB Drew Brees (shoulder), WR Michael Thomas (hamstring/ankle) and RB Alvin Kamara (foot) were all limited at practice to begin the week. The progression, or…read more

The Buccaneers gave up 347 yards and 20 points during the Week 7 win over the Raiders and play the Giants on Monday

Analysis: Tampa Bay had three sacks and one takeaway and allowed only 3.2 yards per carry, as it continues to feature the best run defense in the league (66.0 YPG and 3.0 YPC). Week 8 brings about a prime matchup in primetime for the Bucs D/ST, as New York is tied-28th in giveaways (13), tied-25th in sacks allowed (20), 29th in scoring (17.4 PPG) and 31st in total offense (282.4 YPG).

The Buccaneers gave up 201 yards and 10 points during the Week 6 win over the Packers and play the Raiders on Sunday.

Analysis: Green Bay had 100-plus yards and 10 points during the first quarter, but things shifted quickly during the second quarter after CB Carlton Davis' pick-six. Tampa Bay had two takeaways and five sacks despite Green Bay entering the day with zero turnovers and three sacks allowed. It was an impressive performance from the Bucs, which now rank first in total defense (282.0 YPG), eighth in scoring (20.3 PPG), tied-second in sacks (22) and tied-second in takeaways (11). The Tampa Bay D/ST has shown…read more

Tampa Bay gave up 20 points and 243 yards during the Week 5 loss to Chicago and play Green Bay on Sunday.

Analysis: The Bucs had one takeaway and three sacks while limiting the Bears to 4.1 yards per play, but they were unable to hold the Bears without a field goal in the final minutes. Meanwhile, the Packers are coming off their bye undefeated and with the highest-scoring offense (38 PPG) in the league. QB Aaron Rodgers has rediscovered his MVP-level form and been sacked only three times, while the offense has yet to commit a turnover. Unless you're playing a major hunch, this is a matchup to avoid for the…read more

The Buccaneers surrendered 24 offensive points and 324 yards during Sunday's 38-31 win over the Chargers and play the Bears on Thursday.

Analysis: Tampa Bay had two takeaways and two sacks while limited Los Angeles to 46 rushing yards, though a pick six from QB Tom Brady made the defense look a bit worse in the final score. The Bucs stymied the run easily with RB Austin Ekeler (hamstring) getting injured early, but rookie QB Justin Herbert averaged 11.6 yards per pass. The matchup against the Bears in Week 5 is much more favorable, as they didn't find the end zone until the final two minutes of Sunday's loss to the Colts. Tampa Bay's…read more

Tampa Bay allowed 226 yards and 10 points during the Week 3 win over Denver and play Chargers on Sunday.

Analysis: The Buccaneers put on a dominant defensive performance against the injury-plagued Broncos, forcing two turnovers and recording six sacks. The matchup with the Chargers this week isn't nearly as attractive, though they're averaging only 17.3 points and are tied-22nd in giveaways (five) so far this season. The Tampa Bay D/ST ranks tied-third in sacks (12) and takeaways (six) and is a solid option for Week 4.

Tampa Bay allowed 427 yards during Sunday's 31-17 win over Carolina and play Denver in Week 3.

Analysis: The Buccaneers gave up some late production through the air after carrying a 21-0 lead into halftime, but they had four takeaways and five sacks to help give up only 17 points. The injury to QB Drew Lock (shoulder) will have the Broncos relying on Jeff Driskel and new signing Blake Bortles to run the offense for the next couple weeks, and top WR Courland Sutton (knee) is also out for the year. Driskel performed well in emergency duty last week, but the Tampa Bay D/ST will be a popular option…read more

The Buccaneers allowed 27 offensive points and 271 yards to the Saints on Sunday and play the Panthers in Week 2.

Analysis: Tampa Bay played pretty well defensively as it allowed only 4.1 yards per play, but it had only one sack and had zero takeaways and was hurt by its own offense having three giveaways. The Panthers put up 30 points, 388 yards and allowed only one sack in the season opener, so this Week 2 matchup may not provide much fantasy potential if the Buccaneers don't create some plays defensively.

Tampa Bay will play at New Orleans in the season opener Sunday.

Analysis: The Buccaneers proved to be a solid defensive unit in 2019, ranking 15th in total defense (343.9 YPG), 29th in scoring (28.1 PPG), tied-seventh in sacks and fifth in takeaways (28), and the core group is back for this season. The Saints and QB Drew Brees led the league with only eight giveaways last year and tied-third with 25 sacks allowed, so playmaking opportunities figure to be limited Week 1. The Tampa Bay D/ST should be on the radar for much of the 2020 season, but this season-opening…read more

The Bucs ranked 15th in total defense (343.9 YPG), 29th in scoring (28.1 PPG), tied-seventh in sacks and fifth in takeaways (28) last season.

Analysis: Tampa Bay also had the best rush defense in the league (3.3 YPC) and a solid pass defense (13th with 6.1 net Y/A), but the offense led the league with 41 turnovers, consistently putting the defense in compromising situations. It retains nearly all of its core players, and the signing of Tom Brady should bring stability to the offense. The Buccaneers are in prime position to improve in 2020 and be regularly fantasy relevant after performing well in difficult circumstances last year.

The Buccaneers allowed 229 yards and 16 offensive points during Sunday's loss to the Texans and play the Falcons in Week 17.

Analysis: Tampa Bay put forth a fantastic defensive effort, but it was unable to overcome five giveaways from the offense. The Bucs provided plenty of fantasy production with two takeaways and five sacks. The Tampa Bay D/ST ranks tied-fifth in takeaways (27) and 12th in sacks (41), but the offense's issues with turnovers consistently put it in compromising field position, keeping it as a mid-tier option to close out the season.

The Buccaneers allowed 295 yards and 17 points during the Week 15 win over the Lions and play the Texans on Saturday.

Analysis: The Tampa Bay D/ST had two sacks and three takeaways, including a interception return for a touchdown. The matchup versus Houston in Week 15 doesn't provide as much fantasy potential, as its offense is top ten in yardage (375.9 YPG) and scoring (24.4 PPG). The Buccaneers rank sixth in takeaways (25) and tied-13th in sacks (36), but their propensity to give up points limits their fantasy value for Week 16.

The Buccaneers surrendered 309 yards and 28 offensive points during the Week 14 win over the Colts and will play the Lions on Sunday.

Analysis: Tampa Bay managed only one sack and one takeaway in the contest, and the offense made things much more difficult with four giveaways. Week 15 offers a much better matchup against Detroit, which is likely to again be without QB Matthew Stafford (back/hip). The Buccaneers D/ST ranks fifth in the league in takeaways (22) and is middle of the pack in sacks (34), and the matchup with the Lions is a prime opportunity to increase those totals.

The Buccaneers allowed 242 yards and 11 points to the Jaguars in Week 13 and will play the Colts on Sunday.

Analysis: Tampa Bay dominated Jacksonville for most of the afternoon, tallying four takeways, five sacks and a defensive touchdown while allowing only 3.8 yards per play. The Bucs now rank fifth in the league in takeaways (21) and also rank top half in sacks (33). They are near league worst in total defense (380.4 YPG) and scoring (28.3 PPG), but there's still some fantasy potential with a decent matchup. Tampa Bay has really turned up the production over the last two games with 11 sacks, six takeaways…read more

The Buccaneers allowed 337 yards and 22 points to the Falcons in Week 12 and will play the Jaguars on Sunday.

Analysis: Tampa Bay had six sacks and two takeaways, including a fumble return for a touchdown to provide immense fantasy value last week. The unit locked things down after the Falcons scored 10 points in the first quarter, and ended up allowing only 4.2 yards per play. The Buccaneers rank tied-seventh in takeaways (17) but are middle of the pack in total defense (368.6 YPG) and sacks (28), but they also rank 31st in scoring (30.5 PPG). Meanwhile, Jacksonville is coming off a brutal three-game stretch in…read more

The Buccaneers gave up 27 offensive points and 328 yards in Sunday's loss to the Saints and will play the Falcons in Week 12.

Analysis: The Tampa Bay D/ST played fairly well but spent 37 minutes on the field as the offense committed four turnovers. However, one sack and zero tackles meant minimal production for the Buccaneers. The Falcons have struggled with consistency all season but are coming off back-to-back dominating wins coming out of their bye. The Bucs are allowing 31.3 PPG and 371.8 YPG this season and aren't worth trusting against a hot Falcons team.

The Buccaneers gave up 417 yards in the 30-27, Week 11 win over the Cardinals and will play the Saints on Sunday.

Analysis: Arizona entered the game with only four giveaways all season, but Tampa Bay flipped the script with two takeaways and two sacks in the victory. Meanwhile, the Saints gave up six sacks and scored only six points against the lowly Falcons in Week 11. Despite both teams' performances last week, the Tampa Bay D/ST remains a unit to avoid going up against QB Drew Brees and New Orleans.